Mark Nelson

Honored Hero

For a couple years, Mark was constantly feeling tired and weak. Being an electrician, these symptoms were common because of the physical work, so he didn't think much of it. After going to the doctor's for two years and continuously being told it was gout, he ended up in the ER and found out he had kidney failure. He was soon diagnosed with stage 3 multiple myeloma in October 2011.

After two rounds of chemotherapy, it was time for Mark's stem cell transplant. The transplant ended up being very difficult. He was in the ICU for two weeks and in the hospital for a total of six weeks. During this time, his family found out what true love was. His friends, family and church were all amazing and supportive. The Hinckley Fire Department built a wheelchair ramp for him so it was easier to get in and out of his house.

Mark's cancer relapsed and he is currently on immunotherapy and chemotherapy. He is now in remission for the first time in five years.

Mark and his family have been with Light The Night for four years and the name of their team, "Love to Live" is also his favorite quote. Today, he loves going fishing, 4-wheeling, and volunteering for LLS to give back for all that they have done for him and his family.

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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.